INTERREG MICRO PROJECT

Microplastics found in waters off Qatar

The first evidence of prevalence of microplastics in Gulf seawater, specifically in the marine waters off Qatar, has been documented through a research study conducted by senior researchers from Qatar University Environmental Science Center (QU-ESC).
“Polypropylene microplastics were the most common type of plastic polymer found with most particles being either granular or fibrous in shape, with sizes from 125?m to 15.98mm”, said team leader and ESC’s former director and professor Dr Jeff Obbard.
Such microplastics are commonly associated with general plastic packaging waste, and marine fishing nets. He noted that the levels of microplastics found in Qatar’s marine waters are still relatively low compared to some other locations around the world, but vigilance is needed. (…) (gulf-times.com, 19/06/2017)